Back in August I complained about not getting the high quality images of vireos that I had wanted to get and just a few days later I was able to take a few photos of a Warbling Vireo I was happy with. Yesterday the Bird Photography Goddess smiled down on me again…
Warbling Vireo perched on a Chokecherry branch – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was taking images of a Plumbeous Vireo and hoping that it would come out into the open so I could get better images of that vireo species when I caught some movement with my peripheral vision above the Plumbeous and I decided to take the chance and look up to see what it was thinking I’d have my eyes back on the bird I had been photographing in no time.
I looked up and spotted a Warbling Vireo not only out in the open plus it had gorgeous fall colors in the background. I locked focus onto the vireo and started taking images in a long burst!
Autumn colors with a Warbling Vireo – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I couldn’t believe how fortunate I felt that the chokecherry leaves in the background had already started turning to the colors of fall and that the Warbling Vireo picked a branch to perch on that had very few obstructions or out of focus branches and leaves in front of it.
Plus, the vireo gave me views of it looking in two directions.
Warbling Vireo in front of fall colors – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I mentioned in my post yesterday that I have grown quite fond of vireos and after looking at these photos I’ve decided why, Warbling Vireos have “puppy dog” looking faces. Soft, innocent, sweet faces. Yeah, maybe that is a stretch for some people but for me it isn’t a stretch at all.
Perky Warbling Vireo in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I only took forty-nine images of this Warbling Vireo before it flew off but this vireo made my morning and the rest of my day too!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Warbling Vireo photos plus facts and information about this species.
Such wonderful shots to look at. What a treat after a loooooong day with middle-schoolers. Happy sigh… 🙂
Very nice! Love the and pose and background.
Very beautiful images.
I’ve often felt recently that I’m just tired of looking at bird photos until I see yours, so well-done in every way, and with complete camera information, the location seen, and a helpful backstory. You have a superior blog, and I hope you keep it going! (This page, of course, is no exception.)
Dorothy, thank you for your very kind words.
I get it, I’ve seen you mention your struggles with staying on Facebook, know that you are not alone. I know you take you photos for yourself and I do too. I hope you will keep taking them. I don’t say much on Facebook but I enjoy seeing the photos you share, especially of the tiny insects that most people don’t ever see. Thank you for sharing them.
Great photos! The detail is fantastic.
Wow…each photo is beautiful! that background is to die for. Lovely.
Wow! Isn’t it great when the Bird Photography Gods smile down on you. Awesome background.